Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Mazda Protege. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine and timing belt needed to be replaced. The engine was taken apart and the mechanic found a screw inside of the intake valve. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 188,000.
Rough idle causing to stall while driving, check engine light on for cylinder misfire, found cylinder 4 with a bent spark plug with the gap closed. Replaced all 4 plugs car ran fine for a few months only to have the same issue cylinder misfire with cylinder 4 with another bent plug gap closed. Possible something loose inside cylinder 4 causing the misfire issues to the plug. Mileage 130,280
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mazda Protege. The contact attempted to start the vehicle but the engine failed to start accompanied by an abnormal knocking from the engine. The contact also mentioned that the failure occurred more often when the engine was cold. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 880. Updated 05/28/14 the consumer stated model year 2003 vehicles have been repaired for the same failure by the manufacturer. But the manufacturer refuses to repair model years 2001-2002. The consumer stated this condition does not keep the engine from starting. It can and has caused catastrophic engine failure, which shuts down the power steering and brakes while the vehicle is moving. Updated 05/29/2014
I have a 2002 Mazda Protege. Were the upper passenger side motor mount attaches to the car body, the car body metal is severely rusted and starting to separate on the inside of the engine compartment. I did take the car to a Mazda body shop and they quoted me in the area of $1,000.00 to fix the issue. I do not feel it is my responsibility to pay for the fix as this is an area high in the engine compartment not subject to the elements. Basically Mazda has some problem with the metal, the anti corrosion treatment or the finish treatment to the metal. This is in a protected area and if properly made should never rust. Needless to say, a good solid motor mount is a critical item. I first noticed this problem about June 1st 2010.
Takata recall I bought by 2001 Mazda Protege a couple years ago and was never sent anything about any recalls. After pulling a car fax report there is 5 recalls all having to do with headlights. I've received a ticket for no headlights on when they were on and was recenctly in a car accident due to not seeing the other vehicle . The damage to my vehicle is on the front end including damaging my radiator which needs to replaced, bumber and grill. I had only liability insurance on my vehicle and they only would pay for the other car that was hit. Why was I never informed of recall issues? I've already paid for the no headlight ticket at night and I'm frustrated because they were illuminated. Please do not tell me I have no recall issues because I have done my research and have 5 recalls all to do with lights which can result in a crash. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Mazda Protege. The contact attempted to start the vehicle but the engine failed to start accompanied by an abnormal knocking from the engine. The contact also mentioned that the failure occurred more often when the engine was cold. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 22,000. Updated 05/28/14 ma the consumer stated model year 2003 vehicles have been repaired for the same failure by the manufacturer. But the manufacturer refuses to repair model years 2001-2002. The consumer stated this condition does not keep the engine from starting. It can and has caused catastrophic engine failure, which shuts down the power steering and brakes while the vehicle is moving. Updated 05/29/2014
2000 Protege lx accelerator pedal was stuck in the depressed position. As a result of the accelerator pedal sticking the consumer was involved in an accident. On feb 21, 2000 the vehicle was taken to the dealer because the consumer heard a high pitched ping noise coming from the vehicle. The dealer was unable to duplicate the noise. The left rear door lock assembly was defective. The vehicle would accelerated and jerk while accelerating.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 35 MPH there was a loud explosion from the engine. The vehicle was not pulled over but continued to be driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was then inspected, the number 2 cylinder had blown a spark plug through the motor. The spark plug was in 3 pieces, the plug wires were still connected to the top of the plug, the threaded portion of the plug was still in the cylinder, and the third piece was inside the engine. Neither the dealer nor manufacturer were contacted. Updated 05/30/2006.
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The wire rod used in the manufacture of the engine valve springs can develop minute cracks causing breakage of the springs.
Remedy: Dealers will replace all sixteen (16) valve springs in the engine of the affected vehicles.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mazda Protege years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (40), 1995 (20), 1998 (10), 2001 (10) and 1997 (9) model years. Engine complaints make up 33% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Mazda Protege engine problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 95V-033 (engine, Feb 21, 1995). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mazda Protege engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles; 33% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (36 mentions), followed by the engine › gasoline (20).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.